tezuka architects' circular building is both a kindergarten and chapel

in japan, tezuka architects designed a duo-purpose building that serves both as a chapel and a kindergarten at the same time. the unlikely pairing of programs see a low-rise circular building, wrapped with glass sliding doors and the roof serving as an area for the children to play and use.

all images © katsuhisa kida / fototeca

demonstrated in both the areas for learning and worshiping, a consistent material –timber– has been used throughout. tezuka architects used a total of 20,000 pieces of cedar wood in the scheme’s construction. the chapel is situated at the core of the volume; a peaceful secular space that is dramatically illuminated by a single skylight highlighting the cedar-wrapped back wall featuring a single cross.

inside the chapel

‘the protestant church with simple yet sacred presence is composed. a silent and sacred prayer space and secular space with energetic sound of children. the combination of the two inextricably linked spaces is the essence of this architecture..’ – tezuka architects

entrance into the chapel

a single skylight opens up to illuminate the back wall

a total of 20,000 pieces of cedal wood was used outside and inside

the roof top is used by the children, with the building itself situated in a playground

the exterior at night

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